Page 54 of Better Hide

“They’re adopting a kid.” Cole runs his hands through his hair. He laughs bitterly, then jumps up again. “A fucking kid. Jesus Christ.” He paces. “I stink. Is there a shower in here?”

I glance around. The suite is lavish and bright, with a few doors branching off. It’s clear a lot of money was put into it.

“Call me when we have dinner figured out.”

Cole spots the bathroom, goes inside, and slams the door.

26

JO

Jayden is frozen,staring at the door Cole disappeared into.

I’ve only just met Cole’s mom, but I hate her.

“Fuck.” Jayden clenches his fists. “I’m going to get us something to eat.” He storms to the door we came in, then turns abruptly, fixing me with a stern look. “If you try to run, I’ll keep you drugged until we get to Mexico. Got it?”

I glare at him. He’s being a dick for no reason. “Got it.”

Fucking asshole.

Jayden looks at me for a while longer, then steps out of the room.

I hear Cole turn the shower on. The tortured look in his eyes made my chest hurt.

I swallow, then go to the door. I knock softly.

“Fuck off, Jay.”

I hear a shower door roll shut, and I test the door handle. It’s unlocked. Pushing the door open, I step inside.

The bathroom is just as fancy as the other room, lined with mirrors, eggshell accents, and gilded accessories. Cole is in the shower, and the glass is fogged up.

“I said fuck off,” Cole snaps.

I cross my arms.

“Fucker, did you not—“ he turns and sees me. “Jo?”

I raise an eyebrow.

Cole cracks the shower door open to see me better. His face looks tortured, but he immediately tries to cover it with a smirk. “Did you want to join me?”

“No.” I lean against the counter. My chest tightens from the steam in the room. I remind myself I can breathe. I’m fine. “Just checking on you.”

Cole shakes some of the water from his face, then opens the door and steps out all the way. “Checking on me? You’re so fucking sweet.”

“What are you?—“

Cole grabs at me. “Come here.”

I gasp, darting away.

Cole grins. His face is manic, and my gaze darts down his gloriously naked and muscled body. My eyes lock on his left thigh, where blood drips down.

“Cole!” I gasp.

He looks down, then back up at me. “Pretty, isn’t it?”

---